What if your next trip didn’t just drain your wallet, but padded it instead? In a world where travel often feels like a luxury, a surprising handful of places are flipping the script by paying you to show up.
We’re talking about real incentives—cash, perks, and rewards—offered not just as discounts, but as bold invitations. You’re craving culture, quiet, or coastline, and these destinations are putting money on the table to tempt you into the adventure.
Curious? You should be. Because once you see who’s handing out the travel bonuses, you’ll start wondering why you ever paid full price to explore.
1. Sicily, Italy
Tucked away in the sun-drenched south of Italy, Sicily has been turning heads with its bold campaign to pay travelers to visit. The regional government has offered to cover up to 50% of flight costs and throw in a free night at a hotel if you stay at least three nights. It’s not just a discount—it’s a real incentive to explore ancient ruins, volcanic coastlines, and street food that rivals any in the world.
This isn’t a gimmick. Post-pandemic, Sicily needed a spark to bring tourists back, and they’ve gone all-in. The initiative runs through a platform called See Sicily, making it relatively easy to redeem the perks. It’s especially tempting because the island is often less crowded than northern Italy, but arguably more flavorful—literally and culturally.
And beyond the government offer, Sicily is just one of those places that feels cinematic even on a random Tuesday. From climbing Mount Etna to wandering the mosaic-laden streets of Palermo, every corner is layered with history and color. You’ll feel like you got more than just a vacation—you got a little bit of a head start on falling in love with Europe.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: 50% off flights, free hotel night, discounted tours (via See Sicily platform)
- Best Months to Visit: May–June and September–October (great weather, fewer crowds)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$800–$1,000 for a week
- Must-Try: Arancini, local wine tours, Valley of the Temples
- Good to Know: Offers change periodically—check the official tourism board site before booking
2. Alaska, USA
Alaska might be part of the U.S., but it feels like another planet—in the best way. What’s even more wild? They’ll help cover your travel expenses just to get you there. Through various cruise lines, travel agencies, and even regional tourism grants, Alaska has been offering perks like rebates on flights, cruise credits, and free tours to encourage off-season and small-town travel.
One of the strongest incentives comes from small towns like Tok and Wrangell, where visitor numbers dipped during the pandemic. They began offering stipends, free lodging, and even gift cards to get tourists spending money locally. Some cruise companies, in partnership with the state, tack on bonus credits or free excursions to sweeten the deal.
Alaska is massive, raw, and impossibly beautiful. Think of it as a nature documentary where you’re the star. Whether you’re kayaking beside glaciers, flying over Denali, or eating salmon that was swimming an hour ago, this is a trip that doesn’t need extras to be worth it. But when they’re offering to help pay for the experience, it becomes a no-brainer.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Rebates, cruise credits, local town tourism grants
- Best Months to Visit: June–August for mild weather, February–March for Northern Lights
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$1,200–$1,800 (7–10 days, flights + cruise combo)
- Must-Try: Glacier hiking, dogsledding, native Alaskan cultural sites
- Good to Know: Programs vary by year—look for “Alaska Travel Deals” from official state partners
3. Hong Kong
In a bid to reboot its tourism economy, Hong Kong gave away over 500,000 free airline tickets in 2023 and 2024 under the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign—and some offers are still running or being renewed into 2025. Travelers from select countries can snag free round-trip tickets, and local businesses often throw in free dining vouchers, transit passes, or attraction entries.
The vibe in Hong Kong is electric—old and new stacked together like puzzle pieces. You’ll go from sipping tea in a centuries-old shop to riding the hyper-modern MTR in minutes. The fact that the city will pay your way in is almost surreal. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, we missed you. Let us make it up to you.”
Navigating the process is straightforward. Tickets are distributed through airlines like Cathay Pacific and HK Express, and additional perks come through the tourism board. If you’ve ever wanted to see Victoria Peak or wander Temple Street Night Market, this is your cue—and the city’s footing part of the bill.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Free round-trip flights, travel vouchers, metro passes
- Best Months to Visit: October–December (cooler, dry weather)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$700–$1,000 (5–6 days including food and stay)
- Must-Try: Dim sum in Mong Kok, Star Ferry ride, Big Buddha
- Good to Know: Check availability by region—some flight giveaways are country-specific
4. Japan (Select Prefectures)
While Japan as a whole doesn’t offer blanket travel payouts, several prefectures and rural towns do, especially to encourage tourism in less-visited areas. Some towns, like Miyazaki or Nagano, offer stipends, free lodging, or deeply discounted rail passes to tourists who book multi-day stays or agree to try rural tours.
Japan’s government has occasionally partnered with JR (Japan Railways) to offer discounted regional passes that are practically an invitation to explore off-the-beaten-path beauty, like soaking in an open-air hot spring in the mountains or staying at a ryokan surrounded by rice fields. Post-COVID recovery funds are still being used to tempt visitors out of Tokyo and Kyoto, into quieter, more rewarding spots.
If you’re not already a Japan enthusiast, this kind of travel will turn you into one. It’s peaceful, efficient, and wildly photogenic. Getting paid—or at least deeply discounted—to experience a part of Japan few others get to see? That’s a travel story you won’t shut up about for years.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Free lodging, local travel credits, regional JR Pass discounts
- Best Months to Visit: April (cherry blossoms) or October–November (fall colors)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$900–$1,300 (7–8 days)
- Must-Try: Rural onsens, local farm-to-table cuisine, temple stays
- Good to Know: These offers are usually localized and promoted via tourism sites in Japanese—Google Translate will help a lot
5. Taiwan
Taiwan recently rolled out a campaign to lure international travelers back, with cash rewards of up to NT$5,000 (about USD 160) per person, given via a lucky draw upon arrival. And it doesn’t stop there. Some promotions include hotel discounts, prepaid transit cards, and free cultural tours, especially for independent travelers.
What makes Taiwan such a great value is that it was already affordable to begin with—cheap eats, efficient transport, and free public attractions everywhere. When you land and are handed a card with cash already loaded onto it, it feels a bit like travel bingo. You’re already winning before the vacation even begins.
From night markets overflowing with color and flavor to tranquil hikes through misty mountains, Taiwan feels both thrilling and deeply grounding. The government knows this, and they’re betting that once people get a taste, they’ll come back. That’s why they’re putting literal money into your pocket the moment you arrive.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Up to $160 cash (random draw), prepaid transit cards, and hotel discounts
- Best Months to Visit: March–May or October–November (pleasant and dry)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$600–$900 for 6–7 days
- Must-Try: Night markets in Taipei, Alishan sunrise train, bubble tea from the source
- Good to Know: Only available for independent travelers—not those on group tours
6. Malta
This Mediterranean gem isn’t just about medieval towns and turquoise waters—it’s also paying tourists who book luxury stays directly. Malta’s Tourism Authority launched a program that gives up to €200 ($220) per person for travelers who book 3+ night stays at participating hotels. The amount increases based on the star rating and whether the hotel is in Malta or quieter Gozo.
This incentive is meant to attract independent travelers and encourage longer stays, especially outside peak months. It’s not a gimmick—there’s a clear process, usually done through the hotel itself, where the funds are given as cash upon check-in or deducted from your final bill. And in a place where food, transport, and activities are already affordable, that €200 stretches far.
The real charm of Malta, though, is how easy it is to explore. One day you’re diving into Blue Lagoon waters, the next you’re walking across ancient temples that predate the pyramids. With a government essentially covering a chunk of your stay, Malta quickly goes from “someday” to “right now.”
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Up to €200 per person for direct hotel bookings (3+ nights)
- Best Months to Visit: April–June and September–October (warm but not scorching)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$700–$1,000 for a week
- Must-Try: Gozo island beaches, Mdina’s walled city, pastizzi snacks
- Good to Know: Offers only apply at select hotels—check lists from Malta Tourism Authority
7. Queensland, Australia
In a bold move to re-ignite travel to its lesser-visited regions, Queensland launched the “Work in Paradise” program, which included cash bonuses of up to AUD 1,500 for travelers who take short-term seasonal jobs in tourism, agriculture, or hospitality. While technically a work-travel hybrid, the perks were generous enough that some people used it as a quasi-sponsored holiday.
This campaign wasn’t about getting backpackers to hustle full-time. Many roles were flexible, short-term, and based in gorgeous tropical settings like the Whitsundays, Cairns, and the Gold Coast. Participants also got help relocating and connecting with employers. For slow travelers or working holiday visa holders, it was being paid to vacation with a purpose.
Even beyond the work part, Queensland often offers seasonal tourism deals—think discounted reef tours or travel vouchers for inter-city rail. Add in palm-lined beaches, coral gardens, and sleepy surf towns, and you’ve got a sun-soaked incentive to spend more time Down Under.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Up to AUD 1,500 relocation/travel bonus for short-term jobs
- Best Months to Visit: May–October (dry season in the north, warm and sunny)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$1,000–$1,500 for 2+ weeks
- Must-Try: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Sunshine Coast
- Good to Know: Open to certain visa holders—check the latest eligibility from the Queensland Jobs portal
8. Transylvania, Romania
No, it’s not all Dracula castles (though there are a few). In a creative push to bring in more travelers, some rural regions of Transylvania offer to reimburse tourists for local experiences, including free nights at guesthouses, cash stipends, and discounts on heritage tours, especially for eco-tourism or agri-tourism packages.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to help preserve Romania’s cultural villages, many of which are postcard-perfect and steeped in tradition. Tourism boards and eco-resorts now partner to offer up to €100–€150 in incentives, especially if you visit during cultural festivals or join workshops (like bread baking or shepherding—yes, really).
Travel here feels like time travel. Cobblestone towns, wooden churches, and wildflower meadows—all framed by the Carpathians. If you’re into authentic, off-the-radar travel and the idea of getting rewarded for staying longer in sleepy, beautiful places, this is a hard one to skip.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Free nights, €100+ in credits for rural tours/lodging
- Best Months to Visit: May–June and September (mild weather, fewer tourists)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$500–$800 for 7–9 days
- Must-Try: Sighișoara medieval citadel, local cheese markets, fortified Saxon churches
- Good to Know: Many programs are promoted locally—booking with Romanian eco-travel agencies helps unlock offers
9. Switzerland (Valais Region)
Yes, even famously expensive Switzerland has jumped into the incentives game. The Valais region, known for its alpine villages and ski resorts, has offered “Valais Checks”—vouchers worth CHF 100–200 when travelers book multi-night stays at partner hotels or guesthouses.
The idea is to promote year-round travel, especially in quieter months when the slopes are empty or the trails are lush with wildflowers. These checks can be spent on everything from cable car rides to local restaurants and farm shops. So not only are you getting a stunning Swiss vacation, you’re getting free money to spend in places with breathtaking views.
Valais is also home to Zermatt (hello, Matterhorn!) and tons of lesser-known villages that look straight out of a snow globe. While Switzerland usually screams “budget-buster,” this program makes it a lot more approachable.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: CHF 100–200 in vouchers for multi-day bookings
- Best Months to Visit: June–September (for hikes) and December–March (for snow)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$1,200–$1,600 for 5–7 days
- Must-Try: Glacier Express, raclette from a mountain chalet, alpine spa days
- Good to Know: Vouchers are issued by hotels—check before booking that yours participates
10. South Korea (Rural Areas & Jeollanam-do)
To spread tourism beyond Seoul, South Korea launched a regional initiative focusing on lesser-visited provinces like Jeollanam-do, where the local government offers rebates, transit passes, and even small cash bonuses to travelers who join slow travel programs or cultural exchange tours.
The incentives may seem modest—around ₩100,000–₩200,000 ($75–$150)—but paired with Korea’s affordability outside major cities, they go a long way. Some offers are tied to agri-tourism or temple stays, while others are seasonal, like flower festivals or heritage route promotions.
Jeollanam-do itself is a lush region filled with islands, tea fields, and traditional hanok villages. It’s a welcome contrast to Korea’s high-energy urban centers, and you’ll often find yourself one of only a few foreign tourists there, which is exactly what the government is trying to change.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Cash rewards, travel cards, cultural activity discounts
- Best Months to Visit: April–May and October (for flowers and fall foliage)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$600–$850 for 6–8 days
- Must-Try: Boseong green tea fields, Korean temple stay, island-hopping in Suncheon
- Good to Know: Some offers are only available if booked via regional tourism websites or approved apps
11. Thailand (Remote Work Incentives + Free Perks)
Thailand isn’t handing out cash at the airport—but it is rolling out serious perks for long-term travelers and digital nomads, especially in provinces like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. Recent tourism pushes have included free SIM cards, extended visa options, heavily discounted accommodations, and curated “soft landing” packages that help remote workers settle in fast.
The charm? You don’t need to commit to anything intense—just stay a little longer, work remotely, and enjoy the discounts. Some campaigns bundle perks like co-working space credits, free Thai cooking classes, or beachside hotel upgrades. And with costs already low, these bonuses stack up quickly.
Thailand’s incentive structure is a bit quieter than a cash lottery, but for remote workers or slow travelers, it adds up. You’re essentially being rewarded with convenience and lifestyle upgrades—and that’s often more useful than cash.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Free SIMs, co-working perks, long-stay discounts, visa fast-tracking
- Best Months to Visit: November–February (cooler, dry season)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$500–$800/month (digital nomad style)
- Must-Try: Thai massage course in Chiang Mai, island-hopping in Krabi, street food tours
- Good to Know: Offers are typically bundled with extended stay packages or local expat support groups
12. Spain (Small Towns Paying to Fill Vacancies)
While Spain’s major cities buzz year-round, it’s the rural towns in Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, and Asturias that are offering unexpected rewards. Some villages have launched programs offering travelers free accommodation, cash grants, or paid cultural stays, especially for those interested in longer visits, remote work, or educational exchanges.
These incentives often stem from population decline—entire villages are eager for fresh faces and offer tourism-plus-community immersion packages. You might be invited to teach English to local kids, learn how to make Asturian cider, or attend a regional harvest festival, all while the town covers your room and board.
The beauty of these regions lies in their authenticity. You won’t find souvenir shops on every corner—but you will find stone cottages, ancient paths, and locals who genuinely want you there. For curious travelers craving connection over luxury, this is travel at its richest—and most welcoming.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Free stays, cash stipends for cultural participation, rural experience grants
- Best Months to Visit: May–June or September (comfortable climate, local events)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$300–$700 for 1–2 weeks
- Must-Try: Camino del Norte, farmhouse cheese tours, cider tastings
- Good to Know: Some programs require short community involvement (2–3 hours/day)
13. Ireland (Island Relocation & Heritage Tourism Support)
On Ireland’s rugged western coastline, several islands and remote villages are now offering financial support to entice new life into shrinking communities. Though often framed as relocation grants, there are seasonal tourism-based programs that reward travelers who participate in local events or cultural workshops, especially on islands like Inis Mór or Clare Island.
While these aren’t your typical vacation giveaways, the line between tourist and temporary local blurs here. Stay in a local guesthouse for a week, help during a festival, or sign up for an Irish language or storytelling workshop, and you might find your costs partially or fully covered by regional funds.
This kind of trip feels less like a getaway and more like a cultural exchange. You get paid in both euros and experience—something few capital cities can offer. Plus, there’s just something magnetic about Irish hospitality. You won’t forget it.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Subsidized stays, paid cultural participation, grants for extended island stays
- Best Months to Visit: June–August (greenest landscapes, most festivals)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$600–$900 for 1 week
- Must-Try: Gaelic storytelling sessions, coastal hikes, pub ceilidhs
- Good to Know: Some initiatives are listed under “island revitalization” or cultural tourism grants
14. Mauritius
Mauritius, the postcard-perfect island in the Indian Ocean, takes a slightly different approach. Rather than direct payouts, it offers a blend of long-stay visas, work-holiday schemes, and financial perks like zero income tax for remote workers, making it a tax-free tropical haven for those who stay a while.
The government has launched a Premium Visa that allows digital nomads and travelers to live in paradise for up to a year. You can work remotely, pay no local taxes, and even get access to special relocation discounts on rental homes and utilities. And yes, beaches with sapphire water come standard.
It’s less about “freebies” and more about high-value freedom. Mauritius is betting that if they make it easy—and rewarding—for you to stay, you’ll spend, invest, and return. And for many who go, they’re right.
Quick Info:
- Incentive Includes: Long-term visa, no local taxes, relocation discounts
- Best Months to Visit: May–December (cooler, dry season)
- Average Trip Cost After Incentives: ~$1,000–$1,500/month (remote work style)
- Must-Try: Black River Gorges hikes, snorkeling at Blue Bay, Creole food tours
- Good to Know: Proof of remote income and health insurance is required for visa approval
